Introduction: DIY PVC Pipe Bicycle Trailer (Single Wheel)

About: US Army Retired (medical) - Always Looking for handy work to do. Wood & PVC projects. Getting ready to make a 95% PVC pipe uni-bycycle-trailer to haul my best friend, (ALO - My Service Dog), around in... …

Sorry guys! In hindsight, I wish I had taken the measurements on this trailer as I was building. This is my first attempt at making a bicycle trailer.

I saw a lot of different "single wheel" trailers and wanted to build something strictly out of PVC pipe and plastic.

I had the plans in my mind so this whole project was touch and go as far as measurements.

The overall measurements are about 5 feet 7 inches long and 14 inches high at the front. From the base of the wheel to the top of the fender frame it's about 25 inches tall.

Step 1: PVC Bending Jig...

I used a Heat Gun to heat the PVC pipe for the curves I needed. I made a jig to do this. I used screws and plywood. Wear gloves when holding it it place to cool!
This part takes a little patience as you don't want to burn (yellow) the pipe.

Step 2:

The piece that the wheel attaches to, I heated the pipe and pressed a 1x2 piece of wood to flatten the pipe.

I bought 2pcs Stainless steel bushings to insert into the PVC wheel mount to reduce friction wear.

I used 1/2 PVC pipe for the upper framing. The floor base frame is 1" PVC pipe...

I have not glued it yet but after some minor tweaking, I'll finish it and update this instructable.

The Skin...

As soon as I get some, I'll be riveting Coroplast (corrugated plastic 4' X 8' X 4mm) as the skin for the floor, sides and wheel fender. Home Depot sells sheets for about $13.

Fittings I used are as follows...
- 2pcs - 1" 90° Elbows
- 4pcs - 1" 45° Elbows
- 1pcs - 1" 4-way fitting
- 5pcs - 1" T's
- 10pcs - 1" to 1/2" T's

- 2pcs - 1/2" 90° Elbows
- 8pcs - 1/2" 45° Elbows
- 2pcs - 1/2" 4-way fitting
- 8pcs - 1/2" T's

Hope this gives ya'll some good ideas on building your own trailer! Again, sorry this incomplete.

If you have any questions, I'll try and get back to you soon...